East St. Louis' Pvt. Lawrence Black enlists in Army National Guard

SPRINGFIELD - Pvt. Lawrence Black, Jr., of East St. Louis, Illinois, enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard July 18, at the St. Louis Military Entry Processing Station in St. Louis.

Black enlisted as a 12N, construction engineer, and is assigned to Company M, Recruit Sustainment Program in Shiloh, Illinois.

Upon completion of his initial training, Black will be assigned to the 631st Engineer Company based in Sparta, Illinois.

After successfully completing his training, Black will be eligible for the Illinois National Guard Grant, which pays 100 percent of college tuition while he works as a full-time student and a part-time Soldier. He will also be eligible for the Select Reserve G.I. Bill and federal tuition assistance.

Black's family said they were very proud he chose to enlist.

Sgt. 1st Class William Ingles of Company M, congratulated Black and welcomed him into the Illinois Army National Guard.

More like this:

Alton Welcomes New National Guard Recruiter

Jun 17, 2026

Tornado Watch Issued Across Region Until 10 P.M.

Jun 17, 2026

Attorney General Raoul Urges Court To Uphold Block On Unlawful National Guard Deployment In Washington, D.c.

May 27, 2026

Pritzker Says Court Conclusion in Illinois v. Trump Confirms National Guard Deployment Was Illegal

Apr 20, 2026

Illinois Army National Guard Colonel Sarah Smith Receives Legion Of Merit Honor For Service As State Judge Advocate

May 8, 2026